Benefits of Dandelion And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Dec 25, 2024
Taraxacum, commonly known as dandelion is an herb that for much of recorded history has been widely in use for to attain plenty of health benefits. Dandelion which is mildly bitter in taste can be used for garnishing, consumed raw or cooked. It is a highly effective herb to tackle muscle aches, joint pain, bruises, eczema and stomach problems like gallstones, intestinal gas, etc.
Dandelion
Popular as an ornamental flower, dandelion has been used since time immemorial in ancient herbal medicine to treat commonly prevalent problems like cancer, gallstones, to strengthen weak bones, fight acne, tackle diabetes, helps in weight loss and to keep urinary and intestinal disorders at bay.
Nutritional Value of Dandelion
Dandelion is a rich source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamin, the minerals calcium, iron, potassium. It has a number of beneficial properties like being an excellent diuretic, detoxifier and antioxidant. Apart from all these nutritional compositions, dandelion is also generously composed of copper, magnesium, folate and phosphorous.
Nutritional facts Per 100 Grams
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Dandelion
Enhances bone strength
Dandelion is a highly rich source of the mineral calcium. It is stored in the body in the form of bones and teeth. Consumption of dandelion tea helps in preventing tooth decay and calcium deficiency in the body. It enables hormone secretion, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood clotting and regulates the blood temperature.
Tackles skin infections
The milk of the dandelion stem is a treasure trove of benefits it can provide to the skin. Due to its highly alkaline nature, it possesses fungicidal, germicidal and insecticidal properties. The juice that is left behind on breaking open a dandelion stem can also be used to keep at bay problems such as psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, etc. It comes as a viable alternative to other pharmaceutical options suggested in the event of a skin infection as the use of dandelion sap is devoid of any armful reaction.
Keeps urinary tract infections at bay
Dandelion is an effective herb that can be used in the event of bladder disorders, kidney problems, infection in the urinary tract and fights the presence of cysts that tend to form on the body’s reproductive organs.
Tackles diabetes
Dandelion stimulates the production of insulin in the body by activating the pancreatic cells. This helps keeping the blood sugar levels at the necessary low level. Owing to its diuretic property, dandelion enables the excretion of excess sugar present in the body. If the pancreas is unable to efficiently process the insulin, the glucose in the body is not properly utilized and tends to accumulate in the bloodstream. This results in diabetes which can be treated/avoided with steady use of dandelion in the form of tea, juice, etc.
Fights acne
Dandelion apart from possessing diuretic properties also acts as a detoxifier and an antioxidant. Acne is a result of physiological and hormonal changes occurring in the body especially during puberty. If this surge of new hormones entering the body is not assessed, toxins tend to accumulate which then secrete oil usually through the sweat glands and the skin blocking its pores. Since, these toxins are unable to find a way out of the body, they result in acne. Dandelion enables effective secretion of hormones, flushing out the toxins from the body preventing acne in the process. It can be consumed orally in the form of tea or juice and also applied externally in the form of oils.
Eradicates cancer
Dandelion is composed of vitamin C and Luteolin in generous quantities that result in the elimination of cancer causing free radicals. Apart from detoxifying the body, dandelion prevents the development of tumors and progression of cancer cells. Luteolin functions in a manner that causes a poisoning of the cancerous cells disabling their reproductive properties. This has been noted to work to its best effect in cases of prostate cancer.
Aids in weight loss
Through urination, excess fat and toxins from the body are flushed out. Owing to the diuretic property that dandelion possesses, consumption of the herb promotes frequent urine urges enabling loss of water weight. In addition to this, dandelion rates extremely low on calories making it a healthy route to weight loss.
Balances blood pressure levels
Dandelion due to its diuretic property, promotes urination which considered as an effective way to regulate the body’s blood pressure. The essential fibers present in dandelion also help curb cholesterol levels while also regulating the pressure through its potassium content.
Cures jaundice
Jaundice is caused due to an increased bile production that hampers the body’s metabolism causing disorders of the liver. Jaundice can be treated when the bile production is contained; the already produced bile eliminated from the body and the viral infection is eliminated. All these factors are essentially processed and tackled by dandelion owing to its diuretic, disinfecting and detoxifying properties.
Cures urinary disorders
Dandelion, equipped with diuretic and detoxifying properties, enables flushing out of toxins from the body which ensures that there is no accumulation of harmful chemicals that may give rise to any disorder of the urinary tract. In addition to preventing the accumulation, dandelion also prevents the urinary tract from any microbial infection that may have already occurred.
Keeps anemia at bay
Rids of constipation
The presence of dietary fibers in dandelion ensures effective digestion and a healthy intestinal function. It prevents the occurrence of diarrhea and adds bulk to stool reducing the possibility of constipation. It also ensures that the body is not affected by any gastrointestinal disorder. Dandelion also prevents the body from the possibility of a viral infection owing to its antioxidant properties.
Uses of Dandelion
Dandelion can be consumed orally in the form of tea, in juices, as a vegetable and externally in the form of oil. It efficiently helps treat problems like indigestion, dyspepsia, gall bladder, jaundice, acne, skin infections, etc.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Dandelion
Dandelion is known for its blood-sugar balancing quality. However, people already on medications for the same are advised to avoid dandelion consumption as it may result in hypoglycemia and cause more harm to the body than good. The sap of dandelion has been seen to cause irritation, itchiness and allergic reactions to the eyes. Hence, should be refrained from using around the eye area.
Cultivation of Dandelion
The cultivation or rather the discovery of the dandelion plant occurred in Eurasia about 30 million years ago. It was a widely used plant since ancient times by Egyptians, Romans, Greeks and Chinese as traditional herbal medicine. It today grows as a wild plant mostly in North America and Eurasia.
References
- Schütz K, Carle R, Schieber A. Taraxacum—a review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2006 Oct 11;107(3):313-23. [Cited 24 June 2019]. Available from:
- Martinez M, Poirrier P, Chamy R, Prüfer D, Schulze-Gronover C, Jorquera L, Ruiz G. Taraxacum officinale and related species—An ethnopharmacological review and its potential as a commercial medicinal plant. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2015 Jul 1;169:244-62. [Cited 24 June 2019]. Available from:
- Dias MI, Barros L, Alves RC, Oliveira MB, Santos-Buelga C, Ferreira IC. Nutritional composition, antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of wild Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia. Food research international. 2014 Feb 1;56:266-71. [Cited 24 June 2019]. Available from:
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